|
|
| Sadly in Bali many
tourists are tricked by money changers, with the tourist downturn
the unscrupulous dealers are getting smarter by the minute. |
|
| The Police lately have been closing
down unlicensed changers, after a couple of days they are open again. Even
the Money Changers Association of Bali have warned... "Members found playing
dirty tricks, will give a reprimand"
said Bali Tourism PR.. Officer Putu Oka. |
|
| As the authorities seem to be able
to do little about the money changers, it is up to us to be aware and protect
ourselves from these slight-of-hand expert tricksters. |
|
The
Tricks
|
| The most common trick is for the
money changer to count your money in front of you, as he does he drops
notes down behind the counter. It all happens very fast. |
|
|
|
| Rule
No:1, count your money yourself, before you leave the counter. Some
have rigged calculators, always change money in 10's or 100's, so you can
easily calculate. Before changing, check the official rate, it fluctuates
hourly Yahoo
Finance. You wont get the official rate, but you have some idea. Often
the rate is better after 1pm and avoid weekends. Beware of small
money changers, i.e. in a dress or gift shop, they often offer an excellent
rate just to lure you in, then short change you. If the rate offered is
higher than the official rate - BEWARE. Look for a money changer with a
large office and many staff and observe Rule No:1. |
|
|
How
to Count Safely
|
|
|
| The best way to count your money
so no one, especially the money |
|
|
| changer can interfere, is to count
Rp 100,000 notes into Rp 1,000,000 wads, i.e. 10 notes, fold the last note
over and secure under your arm. Then proceed to count the next wad. With
Rp 50,000 notes count into Rp 500,000 wads, again 10 notes. After counting
the large denominations put in your wallet, then count the small money. |
|
|
What
to do
|
|
if
you are tricked
|
| If for some reason you
didn't follow our rule of checking your money before leaving the money
change, or the changer got you confused by joking around and you arrive
back at your hotel, count your money and find you've been diddled. We suggest
you return to the money changer immediately and confront him. The best
tactic is not to loose your cool, speak quietly, but firmly and tell the
changer the amount that is missing and that you know he short changed you,
this may be enough. However if that doesn't work, still maintaining total
calm tell the changer if he doesn't come good, you will call the Police
or the Banjar (village organization). |
|
|
| This technique has worked
with 3 people we know here over the years. But best you never have this
experience and always check your money. |
|
| Recommended
Changer |
|
|
| PT Bali Maspint Jinra opposite Bintang
Supermarket Seminyak, then 50m down towards Kuta. |
|
Always
check your money before leaving
|
|
| You can change money at banks, but
the money changer rate is usually better. The airport changers give a very
poor rate. Only change what you need, until you can get to a reputable
changer. Hotels also give a bad rate. ATM's are all over, but be careful
what your bank charges. BCA at Fabios & Bintang have Rp 100,000 ATM's
Rp 2.5M. max, others only allow Rp 500,000. |
|
|
|
